Legal Opinion
David I. Smith v. Robert McDonald
Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
Decided February 28, 1990No. 89-1401PublishedCited by 11 opinions
1Opinion of the Court
WIDENER, Circuit Judge:
Robert McDonald appeals from judgment on a jury verdict in a libel case against him which awarded both compensatory and punitive damages. 713 F.Supp. 871. Because we conclude that McDonald’s statements were absolutely privileged under the common law of North Carolina, we reverse.
Robert McDonald sent two letters to the President of the United States, with copies to a few other public officials, concerning David I. Smith, an attorney who actively was seeking to be appointed United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina. McDonald’s letters related what…
2Cases cited19 opinions
- McDonald v. SmithSupreme Court of the United States · 1985
- Harris v. NCNB National Bank of North CarolinaCourt of Appeals of North Carolina · 1987
- Jarman v. OffuttSupreme Court of North Carolina · 1954
- Holmes v. EddyCourt of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit · 1965
- Ramsey v. . CheekSupreme Court of North Carolina · 1891
14 more not listed; retrieve them via the Exa API.
3Cited by11 opinions
- Hinerman v. Daily Gazette Co., Inc.West Virginia Supreme Court · 1992
- Lewis v. OliverCourt of Appeals of Arizona · 1993
- Richmond v. ThompsonCourt of Appeals of Washington · 1995
- cnc/access, Inc. v. ScruggsNorth Carolina Business Court · 2006
- Kenneally v. BayerDistrict Court, D. Maryland · 1990
6 more not listed; retrieve them via the Exa API.